5 Plugins to Easily Add SSL and HTTPS in WordPress

Websites that display HTTPS have what is called an SSL certificate. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encrypts website information between a server and browser. This is what creates a HTTPS in the URL instead of HTTP. This is a signal for visitors that a website page is secure.

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If your WordPress website is being used to collect any sort of information on your site visitors or customers (name, address, credit card information, etc.), you’ll want to make sure you’re using SSL. Without it, your customers are at risk of having their information compromised.

In addition, Google is now using SSL certification as a ranking factor to boost rankings for secure websites.

In addition, sometimes there are issues with forcing a WordPress site to move to HTTPS, such as not recognizing HTTPS. Adding an SSL and HTTPS plugin can help clean up the process and make sure it works properly.

Here are the five best WordPress SSL and HTTPS plugins out there and how to use them.

Top 5 SSL HTTPS WordPress Plugins

This plugin aims to keep SSL simple with minimal options and the ability to enable SSL with one click. Once enabled, this plugin moves your entire site to SSL. All incoming requests are redirected to HTTPS.

The Pro version of this plugin includes support for mixed content, the option to enable HTTP Strict Transport Security, and more detailed feedback.

This plugin not only redirects to HTTPS, it includes a scanner to find and fix unsecured content. This way, the exact location You can force your entire domain to switch to HTTPS, or only certain website pages. It comes with multi-site capability, URL mapping, testing tools, and an easy-view dashboard.

HTTPS Pro Plugin URL Mapping

Plugin Scanner Results Example

It not only makes the SSL process easier and fixes any issues, it includes features to make sure your WordPress website stays secure and provides the best user experience possible. Plus, it comes with great support in case you have any questions.

This plugin automatically sets up a redirection from http to the https version of an URL. The plugin can force your entire domain to be auto redirected to the HTTPS URL or selectively choose a few pages to be redirected.

The Easy HTTPS Redirection plugin comes with the ability to redirect all webages or a few chosen pages. It also comes with the ability to force load static files, such as images, css, js, etc., using HTTPS.

Whenever you’re making any big changes on your website, it’s always a good idea to run through the backup process. Make sure to do this first before going through the SSL process.

2. Obtain an SSL certificate

You’ll need to purchase an SSL certificate before using any of these plugins. This can cost anywhere from $10 to $10,000 a year, depending on the level of verification. Many hosting companies offer these certificates.

Some hosting plans come with an SSL certificate, so make sure you check first.

3. Ask your hosting company to install the SSL certificate on your server

Often, it makes the most sense to only re-direct a few pages that require high-security, such as the login or checkout page. This is why plugins that come with the option to select pages are super convenient.

6. Make sure it redirects properly

Some plugins, likeCM HTTPS Pro, come with testing tools to make sure everything is working properly. You can also use this plugin to scan and identify pages, images, and more you might want to secure.

7. Keep the SSL certificate up to date

Make sure to keep the SSL certificate renewed. If not, HTTPS will be shown with a red line through it and a person’s browser might display that the site is untrusted. This is a major no-no, as the site is not only insecure, it’s displaying a red flag for customers, who will likely take their business elsewhere.

The Takeaway

SSL is a common and effective way to secure your WordPress website. If you’re dealing with customer information on your WordPress site, it is especially important to implement SSL and redirect pages to an HTTPS secure URL.

This plugin automatically sets up a redirection from http to the https version of an URL. The plugin can force your entire domain to be auto redirected to the HTTPS URL or selectively choose a few pages to be redirected.